Contact Public Storage directly to end your lease
To cancel a Public Storage unit, call the facility where you rent and ask to speak with management about ending your lease. You can find the phone number on your rental agreement, on your online account, or by searching for your specific Public Storage location. Have your unit number and account information ready when you call.
Public Storage does not have a single national cancellation line — each facility handles its own lease terminations. The manager at your location will tell you the exact steps, any fees that explore, and when you need to vacate. Some facilities let you cancel when ready; others require notice in advance, typically 30 days.
If you prefer not to call, you can visit the facility in person during business hours and speak with staff face-to-face. Bring your lease or account number so they can pull up your file quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Call or visit your specific Public Storage location directly — there is no central cancellation number for the entire company.
- Have your unit number and account information ready before you contact them.
- Most facilities require 30 days' notice to cancel, though some may allow when ready termination depending on your lease terms.
- You must remove all belongings and return the unit empty and clean by your move-out date to avoid additional charges.
- Ask about any early termination fees or remaining balance on your account before you finalize the cancellation.
Understand your lease terms before you cancel
Your rental agreement spells out the notice period required to cancel without penalty. Most Public Storage leases require 30 days' written notice, but some are month-to-month with no notice required, and others may have longer terms. Read the "Cancellation" or "Termination" section of your lease to see what applies to you.
If you cancel before your lease term ends, you may owe an early termination fee. This fee varies by location and lease type — it could be a flat amount or a percentage of remaining rent. The facility manager can tell you the exact amount when you call.
Some leases allow you to cancel without penalty if you give the required notice period. Others lock you in for a set term. Knowing which applies to you prevents surprises when you try to leave.
Empty and clean your unit before the move-out date
You are responsible for removing everything from your unit by the date the facility sets. Public Storage will charge you for each day the unit remains rented after that date, even if it is empty. If you leave items behind, the facility may dispose of them and charge you for the removal.
Clean the unit before you turn in your key. Facilities typically do not charge for normal wear, but they may bill you for excessive dirt, damage to walls or floors, or items left inside. Take photos of the empty unit before you leave so you have proof of its condition.
Return your key and access card to the facility on or before your move-out date. If you lose the key, the facility may charge a replacement fee and may not allow you to leave until you pay it.
Pay any remaining balance and collect your deposit
When you cancel, ask the facility whether you have a remaining balance on your account. If you paid in advance or have a credit, the facility will refund it — usually within one to two weeks, though timing varies by location. If you owe money for rent through your move-out date or for any fees, you must pay before you leave.
Some facilities hold a security deposit. Ask whether yours does and what the process is for getting it back. The deposit is typically returned after the facility inspects the empty unit and confirms there is no damage beyond normal wear.
Request a written receipt or confirmation of your cancellation and final balance. Keep this for your records in case there are questions later.
Cancel your online account and payment method
After you have cancelled your lease at the facility, log into your Public Storage online account and remove any stored payment methods. This prevents accidental charges if the facility's system does not when ready sync with the cancellation.
If you set up automatic payments, contact your bank or credit card company to cancel the recurring charge. Do not rely on the facility to do this — it is your responsibility to stop the payments on your end.
Check your account one week after your move-out date to confirm the lease shows as closed and no new charges appear. If you see unexpected charges, contact the facility when ready to dispute them.
What to do if the facility will not cancel your lease
If the facility refuses to let you cancel or claims you owe fees you believe are incorrect, ask to speak with the location manager or the district manager. Request the specific lease clause that supports their position and ask for it in writing.
Review your lease again and your state's storage unit laws. Many states limit how much notice a facility can require and what fees they can charge. Your state's attorney general office or consumer protection agency can tell you what the rules are in your area.
If you believe the facility is violating your lease or state law, send a written request to cancel by certified mail to the facility address. Keep a copy for yourself. This creates a paper trail if you need to dispute charges later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my Public Storage unit without paying an early termination fee?
It depends on your lease type and how much notice you give. Month-to-month leases usually allow cancellation without penalty if you give 30 days' notice. Fixed-term leases may charge a fee if you leave early. Check your lease or call the facility to find out what applies to you.
What happens if I leave items in my unit after the move-out date?
Public Storage will continue to charge you rent for each day the unit remains rented. After a certain period (usually 30 to 60 days, depending on state law), the facility may dispose of the items and charge you for removal. Contact the facility when ready if you cannot remove everything by the important date.
How long does it take to get my deposit back after I cancel?
Most facilities return deposits within one to two weeks after they inspect the empty unit. Some may take longer. Ask the facility for a timeline when you cancel, and follow up if you do not see the refund within that period.
Can I cancel my lease over the phone or online?
Most Public Storage locations require you to call or visit in person to cancel. Some may allow you to request cancellation through your online account, but you should confirm with the facility that the cancellation went through. Do not assume an online request is complete without follow-up.
What if I owe rent when I try to cancel?
You must pay any outstanding rent balance before the facility will release you from the lease. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask the manager whether you can set up a payment plan. Some facilities will work with you rather than pursue collection.